Should There Be a Tax on Soda and Other Sugary Drinks?

Taxing products that carry public health concerns (for example, tobacco and alcohol) proved to be an effective way to limit their risks. In an initiative to reduce health risks from sugary drinks, the city of Berkeley, Calif, imposed a tax on their sales. Berkeley officials believe that this 20% increase in the price of such products, will reduce their consumption to about 15 to 20%. Other cities and states are considering such actions, and over 30 states have increased taxes on these beverages already.  The medical cost of chronic illnesses are high; therefore, experts predict that a tax on sugary drinks would help in providing more savings. Additionally, the revenues from taxes would add value to the public funds. On the other hand, there are doubts that these regulations would actually change consumers behavior and affect the outcomes of major costly medical problems such as obesity and diabetes and bring other health benefits. Where do you stand on this issue?

For additional information please visit WSJImage courtesy of [Victor Habbick]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pasta Breaks with Tradition to Drop Carbs, Boost Protein and More

Italian low carbohydrate, high-protein pasta company Tisanoreica is making its debut in the United States.  After his father died of obesity-related illnesses, Gianluca Mech came up with the idea of high protein and low carbohydrate pasta by collaborating with scientists at the University of Padua to replace flour with proteins and herbs such as soy and pea protein, mallow, star anise, fennel, artichoke, dandelion and papaya. It is chewier than regular pasta and has high fiber which makes easier to feel the fullness. Tisanoreica is sold in over 5,000 locations around Italy.  Alternative pastas are growing fast as a category for people interested in healthier lifestyle and diet. What are some of your favorite “alternative” products or recipes that you recommend to patients?

For more information, please see LA Times.

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Antibiotic Exposure in Infancy and Risk of Being Overweight in the First 24 Months of Life

Recent study published in Pediatrics concluded that the early exposure (before 6 months of age) to antibiotics increase body mass in healthy children which can contribute to childhood obesity. The study compared 12,000 healthy children who are exposed and unexposed to antibiotics ages from birth to 2 years old. The result showed that children who were exposed to antibiotic were heavier than those who were not exposed. The effect on weight was profound in infants before 6 months of age. This suggests that the prescribers should carefully consider the use of antibiotics during infancy. What additional factors are typically evaluated when healthy weight in babies is discussed? How often do you counsel patients on the use of antibiotics in their children?

For more information, please see Pediatrics.

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Vyvanse Approved for Binge-Eating Disorder

The FDA just approved Vvyanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a central nervous system stimulant, for the treatment of binge-eating disorder. This is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat adults with recurring bouts of compulsive overeating. Patients with this condition eat when they are not hungry and often eat to the point of being uncomfortably full. Binge-eating disorder may lead to weight gain and to health problems related to obesity Vyvanse was first approved in 2007 as a once daily treatment of ADHD in individuals ages 6 and older. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to dependence. The efficacy of Vyvanse in treating binge-eating disorder was shown in two clinical studies that included 724 adults with moderate-to-severe binge-eating disorder. Participants taking Vyvanse experienced a decrease in the number of binge eating days per week and had fewer obsessive-compulsive binge eating behaviors compared to those treated with placebo. Vyvanse is dispensed with a Medication Guide for patients, which includes information about adverse effects. How do you counsel patients about the effects of stimulants or controlled substances?

For additional information click here

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F.D.A. Approves Surgical Implant to Treat Obesity

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a surgically implanted device to treat obesity in adults on Wednesday. The Maestro system is the first of its kind to generate an intermittent electrical pulse that blocks nerve signals from the brain to the stomach, thus reducing hunger pangs. This new device is only approved for those with a BMI of 35-45 with at least 1 other obesity-related condition and have tried a supervised weight loss program in the last 5 years. In a yearlong trial, 157 obese adults who received the device lost 8.5% more weight than 76% in the control group who received a fake implant. While the result fell short of the goal of 10%, the FDA is approved it based on the conclusion that the benefits of the implant outweighed the risks. Side effects reported with the implant include nausea, pain near the implant site, vomiting, and surgical complications. Clinicians have the option of adjusting the setting and patients can recharge it with ease at home. EnteroMedics, the manufacturer, hopes to have the implants out in at least 20 centers by the end of this year. The price has not been set and it is unknown if insurance companies will cover it as of yet. What are your thoughts on this new device? Are there any non-pharmacological counseling can you give to your patients on staying healthy?

 

For more information, please click here.

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Soda Producers Set Goals on Cutting U.S. Beverage Calories

Recognizing that they are a part of the obesity problem in the United States, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola Co, and Dr.Pepper Snapple Group have come to an agreement with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to pledge to cut calories consumed by beverages by 20% by the year 2025. Their plan is to create smaller portion sizes, as well as promote water and non-calorie options more effectively. Due to a cap on sugary drink portions now in effect in New York, a soda ban in schools, and a possible tax on these soft drinks in San Francisco in the near future, this may be their attempt to stay appealing to customers. Since the peak of soda sales in 1998, the amount of calories consumed by Americans from sugary drinks has decreased by 23 percent due to an increased concern with our health. As the general population has become more conscious of disease states such as diabetes, they have started to opt for healthier options, including water and beverages that do not contain aspartame. Still, experts agree that more needs to be done in order to decrease obesity rates.

How do you feel about more aggressive government-instituted restrictions on these products?  How comfortable would you be with instituting potential penalties on these companies if they cannot fulfill their promise by 2025?

To read more, please visit WSJ.

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Nutrition Basics Help Fight Child Obesity

The Food and Drug Administration just released Nutrition Basics reminder to help parents look at nutrition facts labels (ingredients, percent daily value, nutrients, and serving size) before buying food for their children. The main goal of this program is to fight childhood obesity with better food choices. How often do you discuss food labeling with your patients?

For additional information, please see the FDA Consumer Update .

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In the severely obese, vitamin D deficiency contributes to poor mobility

Those with vitamin D deficiency, especially among New Englanders, are linked to a multitude of health risks. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that those who were obese and vitamin D deficient walked slower and were less physically active than their comparators who were not deficient.  The results of this study suggest that vitamin D status may contribute to the reduction of physical functioning, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. What are some ways you encourage or increase physical activity in your patients? How does this study influence your recommendation of vitamin D?

For additional information, please visit Medical News Today

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Overweight seen as the norm, says UK chief medical officer

BBC summarized the annual report of health in UK suggesting an overwhelming shift of social stigma on weight with overweight becoming the norm. According to chief medical officer, Dame Sally, parents as well as the general populace are failing to identify obesity due to recent changes in media portrayal. Dame Sally recommended a sugar tax in hopes of preventing poor diet trends and increasing levels of obesity from continuing. What are your thoughts? Would similar taxation improve US issues with weight or cause more controversy?

For additional information please see BBC
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